DDC Solutions, part of Daikin Applied’s data center portfolio, announced an expansion of its S-Series Rack Containment Platform with two new configurations: S-5 and GPUVault. DDC positions the additions for next-generation AI, hyperscale, and HPC environments, with a focus on higher rack densities and rack-level environmental protection.
DDC’s S-Series uses a rack-level approach that encloses each rack in a sealed, controlled environment intended to protect GPU hardware from “fire, water, dust, and environmental intrusion,” while also managing airflow and pressure. The company says this can reduce reliance on room-level mechanical systems and enable higher IT density deployments in existing facilities. Across the S-Series lineup, DDC says configurations maintain NEMA 3R-grade environmental protection and support ultra-high-density airside cooling, with optional “1 MW+” direct-to-chip liquid cooling integration.
“Emerging high-density compute platforms are fundamentally changing the power, thermal, and risk dynamics of today’s data halls,” said Keith Markley, CEO of DDC Solutions. “The expanded S-Series provides operators with a unified architecture to safeguard multi-million-dollar GPU investments, achieve higher densities, and grow within existing facilities without increasing risk.”
S-Series models and published capacities
The existing S-4 is positioned as DDC’s standard row solution for 24–31.5 inch (600–800 mm) racks. DDC rates S-4 for up to 85 kW of airside cooling per rack and describes it as “direct-to-chip readiness” for higher-density roadmaps.
The new S-5 is a 42-inch-wide, 96-inch-deep enclosure designed for next-generation GPU clusters. DDC rates S-5 for up to 100 kW of airside cooling per rack, with optional liquid-to-chip coolant paths for future scaling. DDC lists compatibility with Daikin/Chilldyne CDU systems, support for in-rack CDUs and in-row CDU architectures, Dynamic Density Control for real-time airflow and pressure optimization, and an integrated electrical demarcation feature intended to simplify deployment and service boundaries.
GPUVault is a module aimed at retrofit sites with ceiling-height or MEP constraints. DDC describes it as a three-cabinet module with an integrated central air-handling unit, support for 36-inch and 42-inch cabinets, and a side-car water loop design intended to eliminate overhead water lines. DDC rates GPUVault for up to 200 kW of airside cooling in a sealed, isolated environment.
Commercial details and demo plans
DDC said it will showcase the S-Series lineup, including S-5 and GPUVault, at NVIDIA GTC 2026 in San Jose (Booth 342), and is taking meeting requests via ddcsolutions.com. Initial S-5 shipments are scheduled to begin in April 2026. GPUVault is available for pre-order now, with customer deployments scheduled to begin later this summer.
Daikin Applied also tied the announcement to broader thermal management plans, including integrating rack containment with direct-to-chip liquid cooling and facility HVAC/chiller technologies. DDC said the S-Series is compatible with CDU systems, including solutions from Chilldyne, and noted Daikin Applied’s $163 million R&D test lab under construction in Plymouth, Minnesota, which it says will be used to develop and validate rack containment, liquid cooling, and integrated thermal solutions for hyperscale customers.
Source: DDC Solutions
